Shapiro Administration to Promote Safe Driving During Summer Travel Tomorrow, officials from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PA Turnpike) and Pennsylvania Traffic Injury Prevention Project (PA TIPP) will gather to promote safe summer travel, urging motorists to follow traffic laws for the safety of all road users. The statewide Fourth of July impaired driving enforcement campaign began Monday and runs through July 6. WHO: Mike Carroll, Secretary, PennDOT Mark Compton, CEO, PA Turnpike Sgt. Logan Brouse, Communications Office Director, PSP Kelly Whitaker, Central Regional Coordinator, PA TIPP WHEN: TOMORROW, Wednesday, June 18 at 1:00 PM WHERE: PA Turnpike TIP Building, 2850 Turnpike Industrial Drive, Middletown, PA. Event is outside, at the back of the main entrance parking lot. See map for details. In case of inclement weather, the event will move indoors. RSVP: Media interested in attending should RSVP with the name of reporter/photographer to morbanek@paturnpike.com.
NEPA Philharmonic Summer Events NEPA Philharmonic Presents: Americana Brass – A Patriotic Musical Celebration Saturday, July 5, 2025 | 6:00 PM EST | $50 GA Harmony in the Woods, Hawley, PA Get ready for an exhilarating evening of brass, rhythm, and American spirit! The Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic Brass Quintet takes center stage at Harmony in the Woods for a thrilling Americana program that will have the whole family tapping their toes and humming along. This vibrant performance will feature a dynamic mix of New Orleans jazz, lively ragtime, and classic film scores, alongside timeless works from Gershwin, Ellington, Bernstein, Irving Berlin, and more. As part of the NEPA Philharmonic’s Stoppini Chamber Series, this concert is an opportunity to experience extraordinary musicianship up close, delivered by an ensemble known for its brilliance, precision, and infectious energy. NEPA Philharmonic Presents: Regina Sayles & Strings Sunday, August 17, 2025 | 6:00 PM EST | $75 GA Harmony in the Woods, Hawley, PA Singer, songwriter, and guitarist Regina Sayles joins the string quartet of your Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic for an evening of folk, rock, and pop favorites and selections from Sayles’ own original work. With lush string arrangements and compelling vocals, this dynamic collaboration reimagines new and familiar songs in unexpected ways, weaving a rich blend of melody, rhythm, and texture and highlighting the versatility of both Sayles and the Philharmonic strings. Presented as part of the NEPA Philharmonic’s Stoppini Chamber Series and PNC Pops Series in collaboration with Dr. Seth W. & Carolyn Fisher. The ticket price includes the concert as well as a reception with wine and light hors d’oeuvres prior to the event. The concert will last approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes with a brief intermission. We encourage you to bring a picnic dinner.
University of Scranton to Host Cyber-AI Investigation Camp The University of Scranton this summer will host a three-day Cyber-AI Investigation Camp, engaging participants in games, interactive lectures and hands-on exercises that explore and educate on the topic of cybersecurity. Rising high school sophomores, juniors and seniors are invited to attend the camp at the University’s O’Hara Hall. Sessions will be held July 8, 9 and 10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost to attend the camp is $399. Additional services, including on-campus dormitories and meals, are available for an additional fee. The need for trained law enforcement officers, prosecutors and judges with the skills to understand and investigate cybercrime is higher than ever due to the rise in online data breaches, fraud and malicious software. Camp instructors will promote safe online behavior, teach cybersecurity essentials and will end the third day with a team investigation competition at the University’s Cyber-Forensics and Cybersecurity Lab. The topics of cybersecurity, robotic investigation and artificial intelligence (AI) will be discussed. This is the fifth year in which the University’s Department of Criminal Justice, Cybersecurity and Sociology is offering this summer program. The University offers undergraduate programs in criminal justice and cybercrime and homeland security, as well as a graduate program in cybercrime investigation and cybersecurity. To register and for more information, please visit the registration page.
Misericordia University Holds PA Jazz Institute Music Camp Located on the beautiful campus of Misericordia University, Dallas, PA, the Pa Jazz Institute is northeastern PA’s premiere music camp. For more than 30 years, students, educators, and amateurs alike have been able to study and learn from top world-class professional instructors and performers. Culminating in several performance opportunities at the Scranton Jazz Festival, students gain knowledge in musical styles, improvisation, reading, music theory, history, technology, and more. Dates: July 14-18, 2025 | 10 am – 4 pmCampus Concert on Friday, July 18 @ 3 pm For more info and to register, visit https://pajazzinstitute.com
Steamtown National Historic Site to Unveil Restored Bullard No. 2 Locomotive On Saturday, July 5, at 12:30 p.m., Steamtown National Historic Site will host an official unveiling of the cosmetically restored Bullard No. 2 locomotive. After many years of dedicated work by National Park Service volunteers, interns, and staff Bullard No. 2 has returned to public view. Removed from display to undergo a comprehensive cosmetic restoration, the locomotive’s return marks more than just the completion of a project— it represents the culmination of years of care, skill, and commitment from countless contributors who helped preserve this piece of history for future generations. The official unveiling on July 5 will include a brief ceremony recognizing the many contributors behind the restoration. The event will give the public a chance to view the completed work and meet some of the individuals who helped make it possible. “The Bullard No. 2 project is a testament to the dedication and skill of our team,” said Superintendent Jeremy Komasz. “We’re grateful for everyone who gave their time and energy to restore this piece of history. Their work reflects the collaboration that makes everything we do here at Steamtown possible.” The success of the Bullard restoration reflects years of steady work by many hands. Volunteers, interns, and staff logged countless hours restoring components, researching history and preserving the locomotive’s structure, often during periods with limited visibility or resources. The result stands on a foundation built through persistence, skill, and shared commitment. If you have contributed to the Bullard No. 2 project at any stage, we invite you to raise your hand and join us for the unveiling ceremony. A commemorative group photo will be taken with the locomotive to recognize and honor all who were part of the journey. Let us celebrate the efforts of those who gave this historic locomotive new shine and a lasting legacy. The Bullard No. 2 restoration is just one example of many projects at the park that highlight the wide range of volunteer contributions at Steamtown. Volunteers support nearly every aspect of park operations, from enhancing the visitor experience and assisting with historic restoration to maintaining facilities and providing administrative support. Their contributions are essential to keeping the park running and its stories alive. “Our park is fueled by more than coal or diesel—it’s fueled by people,” said Komasz. “Whether it’s technical skill, a welcoming smile or a passion for history, our volunteers help preserve the park’s legacy and ensure future generations can experience the story of steam firsthand.” Interested in volunteering? Whether you’re looking to get involved for the first time or return after time away, Steamtown is welcoming both new and former volunteers to join the team. To learn more about current opportunities and how to apply, visit: https://www.nps.gov/stea/getinvolved/volunteer.htm
Scranton Shakespeare Festival – The Box Office is now OPEN! Sister Act When lounge singer Deloris Van Cartier trades in her nightclub act for a nun’s habit, she turns a struggling choir into a chart-topping sensation through the power of sisterhood and music. June 26-29 & July 26 Reserve Tickets Julius Caesar Power, loyalty, and betrayal collide in Shakespeare’s gripping political thriller. As Rome teeters on the edge of tyranny, conspirators plot to overthrow a leader they once loved July 9, 11-13 & 25 Reserve Tickets Timon of Athens Timon, a wildly generous millionaire, learns the brutal truth about friendship when his generosity is met with ingratitude, leading him from lavish feasts to bitter exile when his fortune fades. July 10, 12, 13 & 26 Reserve Tickets Hairspray Energetic, heartfelt, and packed with showstopping tunes, Hairspray is the beloved musical comedy that celebrates self-love, inclusion, and thepower of change. July 17-20 & 27 Reserve Tickets Performances By the Scranton Shakespeare Festival Youth Ensemble Romeo & Juliet Two star-crossed lovers are bound by passion and torn apart by fate. As their families’ feud spirals out of control, they defy the world around them, only to discover that the universe has its own plans. June 20-22 & July 24 Reserve Tickets Little Shop of Horrors When nerdy florist Seymour discovers an unearthly, singing plant with a lust for human blood, Skid Row gains an unexpected hero. July 31, August 1-3 Reserve Tickets Frequently Asked Questions How much are tickets? Our Shakespeares are offered to everyone for free thanks to PNC Bank! Our musicals are $20 for adults and $10 for those under 12. Though some of our programming is free, our bills are not! If you are able to make a donation at some point during your stay with us, that’d be greatfully appreciated. Where are the shows? All of our seasons performances are located at our new black-box theatre, The Shakes Space, kindly donated by the awesome folks at The Marketplace at Steamtown. Will tickets sell out? We’re expecting high demand, so we recommend you book those tickets ahead of time. You’ve got to make sure to use them though, or cancel in plenty of time or your other reservations are at risk of being cancelled.
NEPA Philharmonic to Play at 12th Annual Yoga on the Roof On Friday, July 4th, at 9am, Hilary Steinberg with Jaya Yoga in Clarks Summit, and the Marketplace at Steamtown will present the 12th annual Yoga on the Roof, which includes one hour of yoga accompanied by live music played by musicians of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic. The yoga practice will be followed by breakfast treats compliments of Maximum Zen. This event is a favorite way to launch Independence Day celebrations, and benefits the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic’s educational and outreach programs. A five-minute meditation led by Lisa Rigau will open the event. Leading the yoga practice will be Jaya Yoga’s owner, Hilary Steinberg and instructor Lily Mackarey. Featured musicians will be Leah Valenches, Peter Brubaker, and Gabriel Schaff. Yoga on the Roof is a unique event in Northeastern Pennsylvania, taking place on the morning of the holiday, overlooking historic downtown Scranton. Participants are invited to pre-register at www.nepaphil.org/tickets until Wednesday, July 2nd, although, walk-ins are also welcome. The recommended arrival time for all attendees is by 8:45am on Thursday, July 4th, rain or shine. A donation of $20 is requested. The Philharmonic projects that benefit from Yoga on the Roof are Music in our Schools, Music in our Senior Centers, Young People’s Concerts, Once Upon an Orchestra (a library initiative for tots), and a juried mentoring program for talented high school music students. Pre-registration is also available by calling the Philharmonic office at (570) 270-4444. For additional information about Yoga on the Roof, please contact hilary@jayayogastudio.com. The Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic is a fully professional symphonic orchestra performing regularly in Lackawanna and Luzerne counties, with upcoming expansions into Wayne County. Music Director is Maestra Mélisse Brunet. For additional information about the Philharmonic, sponsorship opportunities, and concerts, please call (570) 270-4444.
Geisinger’s 2025 Cooking Classes -Registration Now Open Geisinger is offering free in-person and virtual cooking classes to community members this summer.Registration is now open for the 2025 culinary medicine classes, which combine the art and skill of cooking with the science of nutrition. The classes offer an evidence-based approach to health that incorporates food and cooking with nutrition education.The classes are led by a registered dietitian nutritionist and cover topics including healthy meals, portion sizes, label reading, snacking, eating behaviors, kitchen safety and good shopping habits.The classes are free and can be taken in person at Geisinger’s teaching kitchen in Selinsgrove or virtually online. Register by visiting geisinger.org/cooking. Email culinarymedicine@geisinger.edu if you have questions.
